The re-editions of the Carrera are generally considered the best executed of the various classic watches bought back to life. The Carrera re-edition of 1996 was the first attempt by TAG to tap into its history and was successful in bringing the Monaco, Autavia, and Silverstone, to a new generation of collectors.

Of these various re-edition models, perhaps the most sought-after is the 1964 limited edition (Ref. CV2117), known as the Jack Heuer 40th anniversary Carrera. The watch was announced at Baselworld in 2005 to mark the 40th anniversary of the first Heuer Carrera, which was released in 1964.

Named after the famous “La Carrera Panamericana” Rally that was held from 1950-54, the original watch(Spanish for “Race“) was the first Heuer model with its own model name.

The 40th anniversary watch was available as a limited edition of 1964 watches and was engraved on the back with ‘Carrera 1964 – 2004, 40 years of legend’ and the signature of Jack Heuer. The watch came with a black 20mm leather rally-style strap on a deployment clasp.

Unlike the first re-editions, the 40th anniversary model featured an automatic movement (Calibre 17- ETA 2894) and a 39mm case, as against the 36mm of the 1996 model. The extra size makes a big difference in how the watch “wears”-the 36mm re-edition feels too small to me, while the 40th anniversary model feels just right.

The design of the 1964 Limited edition is heavily based on the Carrera 1153S of 1969, sharing the silver/ Grey coloured dial, two dark-Grey sub-dials. stainless steel hands, orange centre chrono hand and date at 6 o’clock.

Many collectors view the 40th anniversary model as the most collectible of any modern TH- but to me the watch was a bit of a disappointment and I did not hold on to mine for long.

Why? Because I’d fallen in love with the prototype version of this watch that was subtly different to the version that was eventually put into production. I should add that these amount to small details, but every time I saw a photo of the prototype version, I’d wish that I had that watch instead.

The first photos of the watch released (above) shows several small differences to the production model:

Dial color is more a flat White/ Cream than Silver/ Grey

The tachy scale was originally on the dial itself, but was later moved to the inner bezel

The crystal seems flatter and less domed

Overall the production model looks somehow “softer” and more rounded than the prototype, and to my eyes less appealing.

It’s worth noting that it is certainly not uncommon for small design tweaks to be made before a watch is put into production, but I still found that the watch that I saw when I opened the box was not that one that I was expecting…funny how small details can make such a difference.

It’s also worth pointing out that the Silver/ Grey dial and the move of the tachy scale to the inner bezel are both changes that make the 1964 re-edition more like the original 1153S rather than less, so its hardly a set of changes that the purists can complain about.

The overall design of the 40th anniversary watch was shared with another limited edition watch- the Ennstal Classic Carrera of 2005.

So while these small design tweaks made the watch less interesting for me, its fair to say that the bulk of collectors prefer the production version and appreciated the effort by TH to make the watch as close as possible to the original. I see very few of these on the market each year- maybe fewer than five.

Perhaps the last word on the 40th anniversary Carrera should go to Jack Heuer himself. When a group of Heuer collectors met with Jack in 2008 he was asked which was his favourite modern TH- without hesitation, he nominated this watch. Coming from the father of the original Heuer Carrera, praise doesn’t come much higher.

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Photos

Thanks Shaun- there's no doubt that the popularity of clear case backs has meant that TAG pay a lot more attention to the appearance of the movement (esp. the rotor)…these ones are quite plain, which makes sense if no-one is every going to see it.

David

BrandScottK

Nice write up. The subtle differences are an interesting call. I personally like the cream dial, but the tachy scale on the black suits me just fine, though I understand from a collector's standpoint either preference. Definitely an attractive piece.

Jason

As an owner of the new issue 1964 limited edition, I can say that this watch is a classic piece. I have been so happy with my purchase. However, as a large male who tends to sweat a bit, the band is impossible to come by for replacement.

Paul 1180/1964

I am struggling to find a replacement strap for my CV2117

Have tried a 'tan' racing strap from a Ebay reseller but this quickly discoloured.

The only downside is it's got a double-tang buckle, so you can't use the original Tag Heuer buckle.

humanomaly

Funny, I have over 20 Tag watches, some rolexes, a Panerai…..out of all my limited edition Tags…I sold this one to a nephew, from the look of it, it seems that this will probably be worth more return than any of my other "limited" release Tags, which is mainly what I buy.

DC

Yes, the prices on these have been strong over the last 12 months- certainly on the rise

dc

Thomas Horrall

I received the '64 Limited Edition as a wedding present from my wife in '68. I just had a factory service and refinish after 43 years of faithful service. Beautiful – looks and works like new. Nothing else compares.

Thomas Horrall

Oops, should have said the original Heuer Carrera 1153S.

DC

Nice Thomas- hard to beat the original, especially when its a wedding present.

dc

Jed

This is a great looking watch and you have done it justice with a nice writeup. the problem I have with this watch, as well as the Silverstone re-edition is the fact that it has only minutes and small seconds. The original Calibre 11 and 12 had an hour recorder. I can't even time an event longer than 30 minutes with this one. In addition to the automatic winding, this is really what make these watches useful. A two register chrono with only minutes and small seconds puts it into a cheaper class for me.

They either did it because of the limitations of the movement they were working with, or because some people like to have something moving when the chrono is not engaged, or because people who buy these watches don't use them for practical purposes. There are a great deal of watches with the Valjoux 7733 and 7734 floating around for under $1000. I think TAG Heuer could have separated themselves from that crowd, made the value of the watch somewhat commensurate with the price and honored the Chrono-Matic and the idea of a long-distance rally timer more faithfully if they had given it an hour recorder.

Mark

Good points Jed. I think the reason was because people aren't used to a "sleepy" dial any more and want the reassurance of a running second hand. To be fair, there was good precedent:

[img ]http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/25/73453ssmall.jpg[/img]

Jed

Thanks for your reply, Mark. I think that you're right about people wanting to see running seconds and that is a pretty sweet Carrera, even if it is powered by the 7734 like every other manual wind date chrono in the 70's. I just wish Tag Heuer would be more careful about its re-editions. I own an Autavia 1163V and when it's going, the jumping minutes and hours are very cool to see in action, as well as being useful. In my opinion, that trumps any "sleepiness" when the chrono is disengaged.

Love your website and keep up the good fight,

Jed

Ian

This is a complete shot in the dark, but I owned this watch and about two years ago I left it on the seatback pocket of an airplane (DOH!) and of course have never got it back. If anyone reading this somehow hit the jackpot and found it in an airplane, I would desperately want it back. All I have to remember it now is it's empty box, papers, etc. sniff.

DC

Fingers crossed Ian..would be amazing!

John

I’d be interested in purchasing boxes and papers if you still have them.

Richard

Hi,
I have had one of these limited editions for a few years now and didn't fully realise how rare they were until after I bought it, however I noted how special they were at the time. The review I thought was interesting with the prototype pictured, which I have never seen before and the differences between that and the production watch. I think the production watch is better than the prototype version.
Does anyone have any idea of the prices of these models now, not that I would be interested in sell my watch…
Cheers,
Richard

Matt

Hi Richard, not sure of prices but I bought a good condition one on eBay for £1950. Hopefully get it tomorrow! It's my first 'proper' watch and I can't wait!!

Richard

Hi Matt,
That's interesting, I think you will love it- I really like mine and I think the watch looks bright, stylish, classic and cool with a good contrasting colours used. I don't wear mine when I know it could get wet (out on boat etc) as the leather strap will get damaged. From research it is a good one to have as it is quite sought after and is likely to hold its value (and I like limited editions), although I did not pay much for mine….
Did you buy it from the seller called "ahdaveed" if so I was watching that out of interest. It looks like it has been re-polished. I would be interested in what you think of it. Not bad price.
Let me know when you get it?
Cheers,
Richard

Hello everyone.
I purchased one of these watches back in 2005. The watch is in excellent condition however, there is some wear on the inside of the strap. I no longer have the original packaging. Would it be possible for me to get the packaging from Tag? If I were to sell this watch, what could I expect to get for it? Thanks.

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